Hi Guys

right, first post here so I'll try keep it brief and to the point. Just got my first fixed gear yesterday (Charge Plug). Ive been a commuter in london for almost 2 years riding a mountain bike and have developed some really bad habits I need to kick.

While I'm learning and getting used to fixed gear are the any tips you guys can provide to help ease the transition to fixed gear? Anything you can suggest to help getting used to the idea of the lack of brakes - like, how do you stop quickly without flying over the handle bars..

cheers

keep your brakes

Keep your front brake, but only use it in emergency's. Watch out for big units (anything with a greater mass or speed than you + your bike)

no shame in having a brake (or two!)

Take it easy and the rest will follow. It may seem daunting but after a day or two it becomes second nature. My fixed riding experience has made me much more aware as rider and more efficient on the road bike.

keep the brakes on, ride nice and slow. use clips or cleats and get comfortable using them before flipping the rear wheel to fixed.

once you've gone fixed, ride as if you were ss, learn how to avoid kerb strike and work on the new feeling of your pedals spinning even when you're not trying to make them. Use your brakes as you normally would.

Once youve got used to this (1 week > 3 months), start thinking about using your rim brakes less and your rear wheel more. Concentrate on your weight distribution so you're not skidding.

Eventually you'll find you're never using your rear brake, and rarelyusing your front.

that's how it worked for me anyway...

+1 to fred

Also, when I used to ride my hybrid on my commute, I would mash my way up to big speeds only to then scrub it off at the next set of lights. On the fixed, my riding style has totally changed to where I'm actively trying to ride smooth and conserve energy and speed, slowing down early when I know I'm going to have to stop.

Plus keep the brakes, you never know when you might need them.

+1...keep your front brake. i still don't brake with my legs much, apart from the odd skid stop, as it makes my knees ache and that scares me.

Slowly does it

keep a constant speed when going downhill

Leave your brakes on. Modulate the braking.. don't just panic and slam 'em on. Look for escape routes when you ride. Know where drivers do stupid shit and know how to avoid it. Ride in a safe place on the road (ie. not in the gutter). Don't do stupid shit yourself. Practice. Ride slow and get used to being fixed.

when going through tunnels ride in the middle of the road so cars cant squeeze past and cheese grate you into the wall

oh...and watch out for pedal strike and toe overlap

Try keeping your hair symmetrical at first, and then make gradual adjustments.

Size down in a pair of men's jeans for a few weeks before wearing your sister's.

Slowly limit the radius within which you ride, aiming to reduce it to 1 mile around the Bricklayer's Arms by the end of British Summer Time.

:D

As everyone has pretty much pointed out. Riding fixed wheel does not mean you shouldnt have brakes.

Just because you have an extra method of slowing yourself down, does not mean you need to be rid of what you already have.

If you have brakes, and are not intending to do silly barspin tricks. Why not have them on? If I owned a pair of brakes I certainly would have them fitted.

If you ever ride in bad weather, youll appreciate every braking means you have.